I have never wished I had my camera with more than I did last night.
Library Voices played a joyous explosion of a set in the Millards' garage along with locals
Willett,
Eye Was an Ion,
Bunnies in Berlin and
Lightmares.
Willett's debut performance was extremely tight, showing a supreme knack for pop songcraft and subtle harmony. Reminiscent of groups like She & Him and Mates of State, Willett's presence on the Sudbury music scene is extremely welcome.
Eye Was an Ion also played a terrific set. Their music is dark-sounding, rhythmically propulsive, and emotionally distant, and yet it is extremely powerful and engaging. I am so happy that they are gigging around here. This five piece will be performing with Willett at the CKLU open stage on Mach 26th, and will be releasing their debut album on May 1st. If you're reading this, and you're from Sudbury, you
must go see these bands!
Obviously, Bunnies in Berlin and Lightmares played excellent sets. On their home turf (the garage), they are untouchable forces of nature that barrel through their sets with reckless abandon. I can't say enough about these young bands. Also, Bunnies in Berlin finally has some recordings up on their myspace so you should check it out!
Honestly, a special place in heaven is reserved for Library Voices. This is one of the best bands I have ever seen. Not just in the garage, but ever. Plus, have you ever seen a 10-piece band in a garage? I have. Have you ever cried subtle tears of joy while watching a band in a garage? I have. I would put them on the same level of musical ability as large bands like Broken Social Scene and Most Serene Republic.
After the garage show, I took the Library Voices people to the Townehouse along with Mac from Eye Was an Ion to see their Saskatchewan friends in the bands
We Were Lovers and
the Sheepdogs.
We Were Lovers has a super hot girl named Elsa as their lead singer/keyboardist, and the Sheepdogs simply destroyed the stage with their tight harmonies and impeccably arranged guitar work. They played to a bar that was empty except for a few drunks, Library Voices, Mac and myself. I only caught the end of We Were Lovers' set, but I will be sure to catch them next time they come through! They're on their way to SXSW right now so I wish them luck at the border.
All in all, it was a great night.
